GET THE APP
Friday, December 19, 2025

Category: Politics
October 23, 2025
Immigration
Politics

Nancy Pelosi Wants Local Police to Arrest ICE Agents.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Former House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) suggested that local law enforcement could arrest federal agents who break local laws while enforcing federal immigration policies.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA), San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, and federal agents.

📍WHEN & WHERE: California, as outlined in a statement on Wednesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Our state and local authorities may arrest federal agents if they break California law—and if they are convicted, the President cannot pardon them.” – Nancy Pelosi and Kevin Mullin

🎯IMPACT: Legal experts have noted that the authority for states to arrest federal officers lacks clear precedent and could face significant legal challenges.

IN FULL

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), in a joint statement with Representative Kevin Mullin (D-CA), suggested that local law enforcement authorities could arrest federal agents who violate California laws while enforcing federal immigration policies.

“Reports of a planned mass immigration raid in the Bay Area are an appalling abuse of law enforcement power. Broad sweeps that target families and terrorize law-abiding residents betray our nation’s values and waste resources that should focus on real threats to public safety,” Pelosi and Mullin wrote, continuing: “It is important to note that California law protects communities and prevents federal agents from taking certain actions here that we have witnessed in other states. While the President may enjoy absolute immunity courtesy of his rogue Supreme Court, those who operate under his orders do not.”

“Our state and local authorities may arrest federal agents if they break California law—and if they are convicted, the President cannot pardon them,” the two House Democrats concluded.

San Francisco District Attorney (DA) Brooke Jenkins devised the idea of arresting federal immigration agents on charges like excessive use of force. “I had lead time to think about what authority I have and what I can do. This is something I felt very strongly about, and I had my office research it,” she explained in a recent interview.

According to the San Francisco DA, her office could review footage of incidents involving federal agents and seek warrants for their arrests if excessive force is identified. However, Jenkins acknowledged potential hurdles, including agents operating in masks or without identification, as well as legal challenges to a new California law barring agents from wearing masks, which takes effect in January.

Legal experts, including Berkeley School of Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, note the lack of precedent for such actions. Chemerinsky recently commented, “As long as the ICE agents are acting legally, the state can’t prosecute them and hold them liable, even if it dislikes what they’re doing.”

The arrest of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has previously been threatened by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Cummings, who has barred arresting illegal immigrants inside or near the Cook County courthouse in downtown Chicago, Illinois, unless they can produce a warrant.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 23, 2025
Politics

Senate Dems Block Bill to Pay Military and Federal Workers During Their Govt Shutdown.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Senate Democrats rejected a Republican-backed bill to pay military servicemen and federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Senate Republicans and Democrats, military service members, and federal workers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Thursday, October 23, in Washington, D.C.

🎯IMPACT: The Senate remains deadlocked, and no solution to reopen the government is in sight.

IN FULL

A Republican-backed bill that would have ensured payment for military servicemembers and federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown was blocked by Senate Democrats. The legislation failed to garner the necessary 60 votes to overcome a filibuster on a vote of 54 to 45.

Sponsored by Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), the legislation authorized appropriations to ensure payments for federal employees required to work during the shutdown, as well as military personnel and contractors. An alternative bill, offered by Senate Democrats, that authorized money to pay all federal workers—including those on furlough—and prevent the White House from laying off more federal employees during the shutdown failed to pass on unanimous consent.

Largely considered as a test vote to gauge current Democrat support for a clean continuing resolution (CR) already adopted in the House, Sen. Johnson’s bill saw three Democrats join with the Republican majority: Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA). Ossoff is facing reelection in 2026 and is a top target for Republicans. Additionally, there was one absence on the vote.

Previously, Sens. Angus King (I-ME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Fetterman voted to pass the clean CR, suggesting that with the additions of Warnock and Ossoff, the Senate is inching ever closer to the 60 votes needed to end the Democrat shutdown. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), who has joined Senate Democrats on other votes to keep the government shutdown going, voted in favor of the bill.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 22, 2025
Politics

Far-Left Prof’s Lawsuit Blocks Land Transfer for Trump Presidential Library.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A lawsuit has temporarily halted the transfer of downtown Miami, Florida, real estate intended for the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library,  with a far-left retired academic claiming that the Miami Dade College’s Board of Trustees violated a state transparency law.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Dr. Marvin Dunn, a retired professor, filed the lawsuit against Miami Dade College’s Board of Trustees.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The lawsuit was filed in Miami, with a court ruling on the matter in October 2025.

🎯IMPACT: The court ruling has blocked the property transfer, requiring either an appeal or a new public vote.

IN FULL

An 85-year-old, far-left, retired college professor is the mastermind of a lawsuit based on a technicality in Florida’s Sunshine Law that has—for now—succeeded in temporarily blocking the transfer of a key piece of downtown Miami real estate designated for the future site of the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library. Marvin Dunn, who taught psychology at Florida International University (FIU) from 1972 until 2006, is a well-known Miami-area progressive political activist, frequently comparing President Trump to German dictator Adolf Hitler.

Dunn contends that Miami Dade College’s Board of Trustees breached Florida’s “Government in the Sunshine” law. He alleges the board did not provide adequate public notice before a meeting where the board voted to transfer a $66 million state-owned property to the Trump Foundation.

The property in question is a 2.63-acre parking lot adjacent to Miami’s historic Freedom Tower. It was approved for transfer by the state to the foundation overseeing Trump’s proposed library. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) and his cabinet had endorsed the plan, describing the site as ideal for a significant cultural and tourist landmark.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 22, 2025
News
Politics

Top Democrat Calls American Suffering ‘Leverage’ in Shutdown Showdown.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) says Democrats in Congress are deliberately leveraging the “suffering” of American families during the government shutdown.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Rep. Katherine Clark, the Democratic Party, President Donald J. Trump, and affected American families.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The government shutdown is ongoing as of October 2025, impacting the United States.

💬KEY QUOTE: “There will be families that are going to suffer… but it is one of the few leverage times we have.” – Rep. Katherine Clark

🎯IMPACT: Federal employees remain unpaid, small businesses face challenges, and services like food stamps are at risk.

IN FULL

Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) has candidly admitted that the hardship faced by American families due to the ongoing shutdown offers a strategic advantage to the Democratic Party. “There will be families that are going to suffer… but it is one of the few leverage times we have,” Clark stated.

House and Senate Republicans have repeatedly attempted to pass legislation to fund the government, but they lack the 60 votes in the Senate required to stop Senate Democrats from preventing it from moving forward. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is demanding that key provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act be changed before he will allow the government to be funded. Like Clark, Schumer appears to believe the ongoing hardship caused by the shutdown is working in his party’s favor, recently telling the press, “Every day gets better for us.”

The shutdown has impacted over a million federal workers, leaving them without paychecks and causing widespread disruptions. Airports are grappling with major delays, food stamp programs are running low on funds, and small businesses are fighting to survive. Tourists are also being turned away from Washington, D.C.’s iconic landmarks.

President Donald J. Trump has taken measures to ease the burden, ensuring military personnel continue to receive pay and maintaining funding for essential nutrition programs for low-income women and children.

The Democrats’ strategy has drawn sharp criticism, with many believing they are making a deliberate effort to amplify suffering for political advantage. They appear to be calculating that the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans, who hold majorities in both the House and Senate, will be blamed by the public for the shutdown, and not them. However, some polling suggests blame is beginning to shift towards the Democrats rather than the ruling party as the situation drags on.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 22, 2025
Politics

State Legislature Passes Trump-Backed Election Map Adding GOP House Seat.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: North Carolina Republican lawmakers approved new U.S. House district maps aimed at securing an additional GOP seat for the 2026 elections.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: North Carolina General Assembly Republicans, Democratic Rep. Don Davis, and state Democrats.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The maps were finalized on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in North Carolina’s legislative chambers.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The new congressional map improves Republican political strength in eastern North Carolina and will bring in an additional Republican seat to North Carolina’s congressional delegation.” – GOP Rep. Brenden Jones

🎯IMPACT: Republicans could secure 11 of 14 U.S. House seats in North Carolina, bolstering GOP efforts to maintain control of Congress.

IN FULL

North Carolina Republican lawmakers adopted new U.S. House district maps on Wednesday, aiming to secure an additional GOP seat in the 2026 elections. The state House approved the maps following a party-line vote in the Senate on Tuesday. The changes are likely to significantly reduce the reelection odds for Congressman Don Davis (D-NC), who represents a district in northeastern North Carolina that is considered a swing seat as neither Republicans nor Democrats hold a clear partisan advantage.

Republicans currently hold majorities in both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly, and Governor Josh Stein ID-NC) cannot veto redistricting maps under state law. This leaves the GOP’s proposal poised for implementation unless legal challenges from Democrats or voting rights groups succeed. Candidate filing for the 2026 elections is set to begin on December 1, 2025.

Speaking on the floor, state Representative Brenden Jones (R), defended the mid-cycle district  redraw, arguing: “The new congressional map improves Republican political strength in eastern North Carolina and will bring in an additional Republican seat to North Carolina’s congressional delegation.” Democrats, however, criticized the maps as a racial gerrymander, with state Rep. Gloristine Brown (D) declaring, “You are silencing Black voices and are going against the will of your constituents.”

The new map could shift counties in Rep. Davis’s 1st District to a coastal district more favorable to Republicans. Statewide election data suggests the GOP could win 11 of 14 House seats under the new boundaries. However, the new districts will likely draw numerous legal challenges from Democrats and leftist lawfare groups who claim the map violates the Voting Rights Act.

Republican leaders in the state legislature contend that the redistricting was based on political considerations, not racial data. GOP leaders also pointed to North Carolina’s support for President Donald J. Trump in recent presidential elections as justification for increasing Republican representation in Congress. Senate leader Phil Berger said the maps align with “listening to the will of the people.”

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 21, 2025
Politics

Fetterman Says He’ll Back a Senate GOP Move to Abolish the Filibuster.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) said on Tuesday that he would break with his fellow Democrats and back a potential Senate Republican effort to abolish the legislative filibuster to end the government shutdown.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sen. John Fetterman, Senate Republicans, and Senate Democrats.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Statements made on Tuesday during the third week of the government shutdown.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Carve it out for that, absolutely.” – Sen. Fetterman

🎯IMPACT: Fetterman’s stance could put momentum behind abolishing the filibuster despite some Senate Republicans being skeptical of the move.

IN FULL

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) said Tuesday that he would support Senate Republicans using a filibuster carve-out to end the government shutdown. The comments come as the shutdown enters its third week, with funding for programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) running low.

“There are no winners here. It’s not getting better every day here. People are going to start to get really hungry, and I’ve been fully, fully committed to fund SNAP, open up the government,” Fetterman said on Capitol Hill. He also highlighted the plight of U.S. Capitol Police officers who are not being paid during the shutdown.

When asked about supporting a Republican proposal to bypass the 60-vote threshold in the Senate and allow a simple-majority vote to pass the House’s funding measure, Fetterman responded positively to the idea. “Carve it out for that, absolutely,” he said, referring to a temporary filibuster carve-out.

Fetterman also remarked on the broader implications of the filibuster, stating, “We ran on that. We ran on killing the filibuster, and now we love it. Carve it out so we can move on. I support it because it makes it more difficult to shut the government down in the future, and that’s where it’s entirely appropriate.”

He criticized Democrats who have shifted their stance on the filibuster, adding, “I don’t want to hear any Democrat clutching their pearls about the filibuster. We all ran on it.”

Image by Tom Wolf.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 17, 2025
News
Politics

Senate GOP Leader Thune Attacks ‘Bureaucrat’ RFK Jr. on MSNBC.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) criticized President Donald J. Trump’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during an appearance on MSNBC.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: John Thune, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and MSNBC’s Ali Vitali.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The comments were made during an interview on MSNBC’s Morning Joe show.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I think that if I were a woman, I’d be talking to my doctor and not taking advice from RFK, or any other government bureaucrat for that matter.” – John Thune

🎯IMPACT: Thune’s remarks highlight ongoing issues with GOP lawmakers being out of step with the Trump administration and its priorities.

IN FULL

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has taken shots at President Donald J. Trump’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during an appearance on MSNBC’s Morning Joe show. Speaking to Ali Vitali, Thune boasted that the Senate GOP was at odds with the White House on multiple issues, including the use of Tylenol during pregnancy, which President Trump and Secretary Kennedy have warned could increase the risk of autism.

Asked if he “feel[s] the way RFK Jr. Is talking about [Tylenol] is dangerous,” Thune bluntly stated, “I think that if I were a woman, I’d be talking to my doctor and not taking advice from RFK, or any other government bureaucrat for that matter.”

He stressed he could provide “plenty of examples” of issues where he disagrees with the Trump administration, and implied he believes he and the Senate GOP have a mandate to go against the President, as the Senate is “a co-equal independent branch of the government.”

President Trump has previously expressed particular frustration that Thune and the Senate GOP allowed Senate Democrats to obstruct the appointment of many of his nominees for months. However, Thune finally began stopping the Democrats from preventing the President from exercising his electoral mandate in recent weeks, by considering his nominees in batches.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 16, 2025
Politics

Obama Swoops In to Bail Out Spanberger for Virginia Governor.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Former President Barack Obama is making an eleventh-hour endorsement of Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger in Virginia’s gubernatorial race and has appeared in two digital ads supporting her campaign. This follows Spanberger’s poor debate performance and several polls showing her opponent, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, within the margin of error.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Barack Obama, Abigail Spanberger, and Winsome Earle-Sears.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The endorsement and ads were revealed ahead of Virginia’s off-year gubernatorial election in November 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Virginia’s elections are some of the most important in the country this year. Every vote counts.” – Barack Obama

🎯IMPACT: Democrats hope that Obama’s last-minute endorsement will energize Democratic voters to turn out for Spanberger despite her lackluster campaign and poor debate against Earle-Sears.

IN FULL

Former President Barack Obama has made a last-minute intervention in the Virginia gubernatorial race, endorsing former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), who is running against Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears (R-VA). Spanberger struggled in a recent debate against Earle-Sears, and the latter has surged in the polls—now just narrowly trailing Spanberger.

Obama is featured in two digital ads, focusing on abortionand economic issues. “Virginia’s elections are some of the most important in the country this year. Every vote counts,” he says.

The endorsement comes as Democrats aim to maintain momentum and stave off mounting support for Republicans in a state where the party in control of the White House has historically struggled in off-year elections.

“We know Republicans will keep attacking abortion rights and the rights of women. That’s why having the right governor matters, and I’m proud to endorse Abigail Spanberger,” Obama claimed in one ad. Another ad highlights economic concerns, with Obama claiming “Republican policies are raising costs on working families so billionaires can get massive tax cuts.”

Virginia is one of two states holding gubernatorial elections this year, alongside New Jersey. These races are being closely monitored for signals on voter sentiment heading into the 2024 presidential election and the 2026 midterms. Other prominent Democrats, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D), are also campaigning in these states to boost Democratic candidates.

The National Pulse reported on Tuesday that New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Spanberger are both under scrutiny after receiving campaign donations from Pin Ni, a businessman with concerning ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Pin Ni, president of Wanxiang America Corporation, contributed $60,000 to the One Giant Leap super PAC supporting Sherrill’s campaign, and an additional $5,800 directly to her campaign this summer.

Meanwhile, the CCP-linked businessman also contributed $50,000 to support Spanberger in Virginia.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 15, 2025
News
Politics

Dem Candidate Katie Porter Implies There May Be More Videos of Her Terrorizing Staff.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Democrat Katie Porter has not denied that more videos of her bullying staff members could emerge, as she runs for California governor.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Katie Porter and her staffers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Porter was asked about a July 2021 recording showing her cursing at a staff member during a video call on Inside California Politics.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Get out of my fucking shot,” Porter shouted at the staffer during the 2021 call.

🎯IMPACT: Polling suggests Porter leads among Democrats but trails Republican Steve Hilton by six points in a potential matchup.

IN FULL

California Democrat gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter is facing ongoing criticism over a video from July 2021 showing her berating a staff member during a video call with then–Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm. In the footage, Porter is seen turning to a staffer off-camera and shouting, “Get out of my fucking shot,” after she walked into her frame. When asked three times whether more such videos might emerge, Porter did not directly deny the possibility.

“What I do know is that I could have done better in that situation,” she said, claiming that she has apologized to the staffer and committed to “do better.”

Porter, who currently leads among Democrat voters, is running to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom in 2026. While California remains a Democrat stronghold, recent polling shows Porter trailing Republican candidate and conservative commentator Steve Hilton by six points in a general election matchup, raising concerns within her party about her ability to unite voters.

This is not Porter’s first controversy regarding her behavior toward staff and media. A recent interview with CBS News also drew attention after she clashed with reporter Julie Watts, growing visibly angry when asked about how she plans to appeal to Trump supporters. “I don’t want to keep doing this. I’m going to call it,” Porter said as she attempted to end the segment.

Former staffers have accused Porter of demeaning and erratic behavior, with one alleging that she often targeted “softer-spoken underlings” during emotional outbursts. In addition, past court documents from Porter’s divorce have resurfaced, including her ex-husband’s claim that she once poured hot mashed potatoes on his head.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more
October 15, 2025
News
Politics

Trump, Vance Slam Dems for Supporting AG Hopeful Who Fantasized About GOP Lawmaker’s Murder.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Vice President J.D. Vance and President Donald J. Trump criticized Democrats for supporting Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones, whose campaign is under fire after his violent text messages were exposed.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jay Jones, J.D. Vance, Donald Trump, Jason Miyares, Todd Gilbert, Chuck Schumer, and Carrie Coyner.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The controversy unfolded as Jones prepares for his sole debate with incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares at the University of Richmond on Thursday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This is far worse than anything said in a college group chat, and the guy who said it could become the AG of Virginia.” – JD Vance

🎯IMPACT: The scandal has amplified scrutiny of political violence and rhetoric, with leading Republicans calling for accountability while Democrats remain largely silent on the issue.

IN FULL

Democratic Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones is under growing pressure to withdraw from the race following the release of violent and inflammatory text messages in which he referenced shooting a Republican lawmaker. Despite the controversy, Democrats have continued to support Jones, drawing sharp criticism from Vice President J.D. Vance and President Donald J. Trump.

The messages, reportedly sent to Delegate Carrie Coyner, included Jones stating he would shoot former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert and that “only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy.” One particularly graphic message read: “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.” Coyner later recounted that Jones also wished death on Gilbert’s children, claiming such a tragedy would change the lawmaker’s views on certain policies. She replied to him in the exchange, “Jay Please stop.”

Vice President Vance addressed the scandal on social media, writing, “This is far worse than anything said in a college group chat, and the guy who said it could become the AG of Virginia.” His comment alluded to a separate incident involving young Republican activists whose private messages were leaked.

President Trump also weighed in on the Jones scandal during a public appearance honoring Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated by a left-wing extremist in September.

“We’ve seen that a candidate for attorney general in Virginia boasted that he would want to see [a] Republican legislator in Virginia shot in the head and to see his children murdered—they actually said this,” Trump noted. “And now he continues to run for office, and most [Democrats] continue to back him.”

“Especially in the wake of Charlie’s assassination, our country must have absolutely no tolerance for this radical left violence, extremism and terror,” the America First leader added.

The backlash against Jones has extended beyond political figures. The Virginia Fraternal Order of Police has called for him to exit the race, accusing him of promoting violence against police as well as lawmakers.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less
show more